The Evolution of Commerce and Industry

Abstract

Historical accounts of social institutions such as commerce and history are, inherently, selective. Moreover, they reflect the experiences, background, and points of view of the analyst. This history of the institution of business is no exception. This, the second of two volumes, continues the review of the same four leaders of industrial society: the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and the United States. I have included the historical events and trends that I feel have contributed most to making each country’s business system what it is today. If others’ explanations or preferences have been omitted, there remains room in the fertile, but often ignored, field of business history for yet another treatment of the material.